Clock operated switch system



March 1, 1960 K. M. GRAVES cLocx OPERATED SWITCH SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 22, 1955 Fig.2

Kenneth M. Graves INVENTOR.

March 1, 1 960 K. M. GRAVES 2,926,486

CLOCK OPERATED SWITCH SYSTEM Filed April 22, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 42 Fig. 4

F Kenneth M. Graves a 6 INVENTOR.

United States Patent CLOCK OPERATED SWITQH tYS'lEl /i Kenneth M. Graves, Longview, Tex. Application April 22, 1955, Serial No. 503,170

1 Claim. (Cl. 58-18) This invention relates generally to the class of electrical switches, and more particularly to a device actuated by a mechanical alarm clock for use in completing an operative electrical circuit at a selected time.

The primary object of the present invention resides in the provision of a mechanically operated alarm clock actuated switching system for use in completing an operative electrical circuit to an electrical appliance.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a clock operated switch system for use in conjunction and in combination with the electric horn of a vehicle whereby a hunter, sportsman or other person can be given an audible alarm as well as an audible indication of where his vehicle is located.

Still further objects and features of this invention reside in the provision of a clock operated switch system that is simple in construction, highly efi'icient in operation, which can be readily transported from one location to another, and which is inexpensive to construct, thereby permitting wide distribution and utilization.

These, together with the various ancillary objects and features of the invention which will become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by this clock operated switch system, a preferred embodiment of which has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the clock operated switch system comprising the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear elevational view with the rear plate removed of the invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the manner in which the invention may be utilized in conjunction with the horn of a vehicle; and

Figure 4 is a schematic wiring diagram of the invention.

With continuing reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views reference numeral generally designates the clock operated switching apparatus comprising the present invention which includes a casing 12 in which there is installed a conventional mechanically operated alarm clock 14. This alarm clock 14 includes a minute shaft 16 on which a thning wheel 18 of any suitable configuration may be attached. The clock 14 further includes a winding shaft 26 having a key 22 thereon which is rotated to compress the spring of the audible alarm and which rotates as this spring unwinds. The key 22 is of sufiicient size as to engage the toggle 24 of a switch 26 when the winding shaft is unwinding due to actuation thereof according to the setting of the clock 14. Further, rotation of the minute shaft 16 will cause the timing wheel 18 to engage an arm 28 of a switch 30.

Mounted in the casing 12 is a suitable outlet receptacle spring contacts 38 and 40 and such 32 having sockets 34 and 36 for receiving suitable plugs. The sockets 34 and 36 carry the usual pairs of spaced fingers are formed by offsetting the ends of metal conductor plates. In addition, a control switch 42 may be provided outwardly of the casing 12.

In the arrangement of parts as is shown in Figure 4, the arrangement is such whereby the switch 26 actuated by the winding shaft of the audible alarm will complete an operative electrical circuit between a plug 46 adapted to be connected to a suitable source of electrical power and the contacts of the receptacles. Should, however, the contacts 38 and 40 not be bridged by any suitable plug, the timing wheel 18 will control the switch 30 which will complete the operative electrical circuit when the switch 26 is closed.

In the arrangement as is shown in Figure 3, it can be seen that the plug 46 may be connected to a receptacle 48 or other suitable means connected to the horn 50 of an automotive vehicle which, in turn, is connected to a suitable source of power, such as the battery of the vehicle. Hence, with the switch 42 closed, and with the switch 26 closed at a given time, the contacts 38 and 40 not being bridged, operation of the timing wheel 18 will cause an intermittent sounding of the horn for any length desired depending upon the configuration of the timing wheel 18. Of course, a suitable fuse 54 may be provided as found necessary in each of the circuits shown.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling Within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

In an electromechanical acoustical alarm device, a mechanical alarm clock having a continuously rotating minute shaft and a rotating winding shaft which is set in motion at a predetermined instant, first switch means intermittently actuated by a projection on said rotating minute shaft, second switch means actuated by a projection on said rotating winding shaft, a source of electrical energy, said second switch means in series with said source, said first switch means in series with said second switch means, a normally open electrically conductive path connected in parallel with said first switch means, said path adapted to be closed for eifectively by-passing said first switch means, an audible alarm device in series with said second switch means whereby said alarm device will be normally intermittently actuated by electrical energy at said predetermined instant when said second switch means is actuated. 

